Polygon zkEVM is an open-source ZK-Rollup solution provided by Polygon that combines the benefits of zero-knowledge proofs (ZKP) with the Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM). In other words, it is a Layer 2 scaling solution for Ethereum that maintains Ethereum compatibility while significantly increasing scalability and reducing transaction costs.
The term “zkEVM” itself is a combination of two technologies: zero-knowledge and Ethereum Virtual Machine.
- Zero-knowledge is a cryptography protocol that provides heightened security when creating proofs to validate a statement. In the context of blockchain, zero knowledge is used to enhance privacy in transactions, protect credentials, and improve authentication, among other applications.
- Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) is the system used by the Ethereum network to enable the running of smart contracts and decentralized applications (dapps) on the blockchain.
A zkEVM merges these two concepts to combine the speed and security enhancements of zero-knowledge cryptography with the standardization of coding and software development provided by the Ethereum Virtual Machine.
In practice, this means that developers and users on Polygon zkEVM can use the same code, tooling, and apps that they use on Ethereum, but with much higher throughput and lower fees. Transactions are grouped into batches with zero-knowledge proof attesting to the validity of each transaction, providing security and preventing the operators of the zkEVM from stealing user funds.
Polygon zkEVM provides unique value propositions including:
- EVM-equivalence: zkEVM provides users and developers an identical experience to Ethereum L1 while offering massive scalability improvements.
- Performance: zkEVM offers better performance (higher throughput, lower latency, and lower cost) than alternative Layer 1 solutions, optimistic rollups, and other ZK-Rollups.
The use cases for Polygon zkEVM include DeFi applications, NFT, GameFi, and Enterprise applications, and real-time, low-fee payments.